Announcing “Classical Reflections”--a new book group

The Friends of the Sonoma Valley Library is very pleased to announce the formation of a new book group, “Classical Reflections: Greek and Roman Influences on Modern Literature.” Mary-Kay Gamel, Professor of Classics, Comparative Literature, and Theater Arts at the University of California, Santa Cruz, will lead the group.

The literature and culture of ancient Greece and Rome are remarkably alive in much of our contemporary literature.  For example, the group’s first selection will be David Malouf’s 2009 novel Ransom,
which is based on Homer’s Iliad. Subsequent readings, chosen according to members’ interests, will be drawn from works that make use of various aspects of classical literature. Although initial selections will be fiction, other genres that may be considered are poetry (such as Alice Oswald’s Memorial), philosophy (Plato at the Googleplex), graphic novels (Age of Bronze), drama (Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses), film (Black Orpheus), and music (Anais Mitchell’s Hadestown).

The group’s first meeting will be on Saturday, August 16, at
10:30 a.m. in the Forum Room of the Sonoma Valley Library.  At that time, members will discuss what day and time are best for future monthly meetings. Ransom will be discussed at the group’s September meeting.  No background in classics is necessary or expected.

If you would like to join or if you have any questions, please
contact the book group leader: mkgamel@ucsc.edu, 707-934-7118.